Flashes of Panic

…that blows nobody any good.

A pointed out an interesting bit of news this morning: Adil Kaouch, the Moroccan miler I wrote about in the spring of ‘06 when he medaled at World Cross, has been “provisionally suspended” for doping. (“Provisionally suspended” is a new and interesting term to me. It appears to mean that the IAAF or WADA has probable cause to suspect the athlete of doping, but hasn’t confirmed the test yet.)

As far as Morocco goes, Kaouch was the heir to El Guerrouj, and indeed was his rabbit in two World Championships finals. More to the point, he’s the second-fastest 1,500m runner this year, and unless Kenya’s Daniel Kipchirchir Komen gets his act together in the next two weeks, would be considered the next favorite to Alan Webb (still the fastest in the world this year) at the World Championships in Osaka.

This “provisional” suspension could still be overturned, but if it stands, it removes someone who would be considered a threat to Webb winning a medal in Osaka. I hate to see anyone busted for doping, let alone the polite and reserved Kaouch, but it’s undeniable that if he’s not in Osaka, that helps Webb.

Now Playing: Columbus from Heyday by The Church

Technorati Tags: Alan Webb, mile, morocco, osaka, world championships